Aarthi Narain, a name that resonates with the rhythm and grace of Bharatanatyam, embarked on her journey into this classical Indian dance form at the age of six. Her first steps were guided by Mrs. Madhavi Chandrasekar in Tiruchirapalli, India. Aarthi’s dedication and passion for Bharatanatyam led her to perform her Arangetram, a significant milestone in a dancer’s life, at the age of 15.

As Aarthi matured, so did her understanding and interpretation of Bharatanatyam. At 18, she began training under her second guru, Dr. Srividhya Sundaresan. Under Dr. Sundaresan’s tutelage, Aarthi honed her skills and performed her Nattuvangam Arangetram at the age of 21, showcasing her mastery over the rhythmic aspects of Bharatanatyam.

Aarthi’s performances, both solo and in groups, have graced numerous stages across South India. She has performed at prestigious venues such as the Narada Gana Sabha in Chennai, R.R Sabha in Trichy, Rockfort Temple in Trichy, Tirumalai Naickkar Mahal in Madurai, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, and Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. Her performances have not only showcased her technical prowess but also her ability to embody various characters. She has played pivotal roles like Andal, Devi, and Valli in many dance ballets, bringing these characters to life with her expressive Abhinaya and precise footwork.

Currently, Aarthi is under the mentorship of Nritya Kalanidhi Padmashri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and the first transgender woman to be awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian award. Dr. Nataraj, a disciple of Tanjore Shri K P Kittappa Pillai, is known for her specialization in the Tanjore style Nayaki Bhava tradition. Aarthi’s association with Dr. Natraj adds a layer of credibility and depth to her dance, as she is now part of a lineage that traces back to the Tanjore Quartet brothers, considered the fathers of Bharatanatyam.

In addition to dance, Aarthi has also learned music from Sangeetha Seva Ratnam Dr. C.M. Venkatachalam in San Diego. This understanding of music enhances her dance performances, as she can interpret and express the nuances of the music through her movements.

Aarthi now resides in San Diego, California, USA, with her family. She continues to spread her love for Bharatanatyam by teaching the art form to those who appreciate its rich cultural heritage. Her journey from a young dance enthusiast to a seasoned performer and teacher is a testament to her dedication to Bharatanatyam. As she continues to dance, teach, and learn under the guidance of Dr. Narthaki Natraj, Aarthi is excited to see what the future has in store.